USA > Kansas > Jackson County > Portrait and biographical album of Jackson, Jefferson and Pottawatomie Counties, Kansas : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens > Part 44
USA > Kansas > Jefferson County > Portrait and biographical album of Jackson, Jefferson and Pottawatomie Counties, Kansas : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens > Part 44
USA > Kansas > Pottawatomie County > Portrait and biographical album of Jackson, Jefferson and Pottawatomie Counties, Kansas : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens > Part 44
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One of the substantial, moneyed citizens of Jackson County, with whose interests his own have been identical for so many years, Mr. Smith's ca- reer since coming here is a fine example of what a poor man may accomplish by resolution, energy and fair business talents. That he has labored for no selfish ends, is shown by the generous use he has made of his wealth in forwarding public enterprises or in helping the needy and unfortunate. Mr. Smith was in early years an old-line Whig, casting his first Presidential vote for Gen. Harrison in 1840,
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and in 1844 voting for Henry Clay. In 1854 he joined the Sons of Temperance, and has been an advocate of that cause ever since, and is ever to be found on the side of the right. He and his es- timable wife are respected members of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church, and their daily lives afford examples of true Christian conduct. Though he has long since passed the milestone that marked his seventieth year in life's journey, Mr. Smith still retains a bright, inquiring mind and his interest in his country and its affairs and in the world in gen- eral is as fresh as ever. During the last few years he has added to his store of information by travel- ing quite extensively through the West and South, where his observing eye noted many things worth seeing. In 1884 he visited Texas, and on his re- turn home he stayed his course for a time at vari . ous points, stopping for a while in New Orleans, La .; Nasliville, Tenn., and at different places in Kentucky. In 1886 he visited Tacoma and Port- land, in Washington and Oregon, and other places in that part of the country, and in 1887 he made another trip to the Pacific coast, visiting Sacra- mento, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where he invested in real estate, returning home in February, 1887, and in November of the present year (1889) he is contemplating another journey to the Pacific Slope.
BRAHAM SIDDENS. The gentleman who is here represented is one of the prominent farmers of Rock Creek Township, Potta- watomie County. He resides on section 22, where he owns a fine farm comprising 120 acres of well-cultivated and productive land. He also enjoys the distinction of being one of the old residents of the township, the date of his arrival being 1873. Mr. Siddens was born in Putnam County, Ind., July 9, 1830, and is a son of Joseph and Sarah (Coffman) Siddens. Joseph Siddens was born in Virginia and passed the years of his youth in his native State, afterward removing to Kentucky, where he re- mained some time, then once again changed his place of abode and located in Putnam County, Ind. While a resident of that place he was married a
second time, taking for his wife a Miss Coffman, who bore him cight children. The first wife had been the mother of three children, and he thus be- came the parent of eleven boys and girls, not a small family by any means. In 1865, having heard so much of the superior advantages which Kansas offered, especially to farmers, he pulled up stakes, so to speak, and removed to the land of promise. He first settled in Johnson County, but sometime afterward removed to Pottawatomie County, where he finally ceased his earthily migrations and departed for the true "Land of Promise," located in the heav - enly regions. His farewell to earth was spoken on the 30th of January, 1879, he being then eighty years and six months old. Ilis wife, the mother of our subject, was already in the better land, having gone when Abraham was a lad of twelve years.
The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in his native State, and there married Miss Sidney Snyder, June 26, 1850. The young couple imme- dtately began housekeeping on a farm and con- tinued to follow the occupations of rural life until 1865, when they removed to Platte County, Mo., where they located on a farm. In 1873 Mr. Siddens removed his family to Kansas and bought the ffarm on which he at present resides, in Potta. watomie County. At the time he purchased it there were some improvements made, and the family was spared the inconvenience of moving directly upon raw prairie. Since becoming the owner of this place he has made many valuable improve- ments, and it is now a fine farm with a neat cottage, conveniently planned and tastefully finished. He has planted an orchard, built fences, and erected barns and outbuildings for the comfort and con- venience of stock, and by careful and scientific cultivation has largely increased its natural pro- ductiveness, until now it is justly pointed out to the visitor as a model farm and an evidence of what can be accomplished in this fertile State.
Mr. Siddens has been an officer of the school district ever since his first year in the township. and is now a School Director. He has been elected to the office repeatedly, only succeeding in escap- ing the responsibility for one brief year. He is not a politician, but votes the Republican ticket. Ile is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal
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Church, of Westmoreland, and has filled the re- sponsible position of Class-Leader and has also been Steward. He lives a consistent Christian life and deservedly enjoys the respect and confidence of his fellowmen.
Mrs. Siddens was born in East Tennessee, May 13,'1830, and when a child of five years removed, in company with her father, Jacob Snyder, to Put- nam County, Ind., where she grew to maturity and where she was married to Mr. Siddens. Miss Sny- der was a lady of great force of character and sweetness of disposition, and these qualities she has retained to the present time, and their possession has made her a valued helpmate to her husband, who is also a man of marked ability and of even tem- per. Their union has resulted in the birth of nine children, named respectively, Joseph, Jacob, Lewis C., Amanda (deceased) : Laura, now the wife of William Bump, of Pottawatomie County; Rachel Isabelle; Georgia, Theodore A. (deceased), and Katie.
B ENJAMIN J. ALLEN. An air of comfort and content surrounds the home of Mr. Allen who owns 240 acres of good land on section 30, in Clear Creek Township, Pottawato- mie County. He now has sixty acres under the plow and the balance in pasture and meadow. His dwelling is a neat, new structure with a stone base- ment, finished and furnished in modern style. In addition to general agriculture he makes a spec- ialty of live stock, mainly cattle and swine. He is looked upon as one of the most prosperous farmers in the neighborhood and deserves his success, as his place is thrifty and well kept and displays neat- ness and good order.
. A native of Winnebago County, Ill., Mr. Allen was born Jan. 10, 1858, and came to Kansas with his parents when a lad of eleven years, they settling on Dutch Creek, in Mill Creek Township, Potta- watomie County, where Benjamin was reared to man's estate. His parents, Benjamin and Saralı Jane Allen, are still living and are now residents of Lone Tree Township, Kan., being among the oldest settlers and highly respected citizens of that region.
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Mr. Allen was married on his twentieth birthday,
Jan. 10, 1878, to Miss Ellen, daughter of P. B Herrick, of Pottawatomie Connty, and a native of Indiana. The children born of this union are Sa- rah, Paul, William and Frank. Mr. Allen is active in school matters, and is politically, a sound Re- publican.
OSES S. MILAM was a pioneer of Jackson County in the early years of its settlement, and is still one of its honored citizens. For many years he was actively engaged as a practical farmer and skillful carpenter in the township about three miles from Holton, but in 1870 he removed hither with his family, and has been a continuous resident of this city since, and here he has a cozy home, supplied with all the nec- essary comforts of life, and is enjoying in his de- clining years the well-earned competence that is the fruit of his early industry, wise frugality, and excellent management.
The birthplace of our subject is four miles west of Frankfort, Franklin Co., Ky., and there he was born June 12. 1826. James Milam, his father, was born in Fayette County, Ky., March - 10, 1792, while his father, Moses Milam, was born in Wales. The latter came to this country, and settled near the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. Bnying land there he engaged extensively in agriculture and horticulture, and he originated the Milam apple. InY 1775 he removed to Kentucky, and was a resi . dent of Fayette County when the battle of Lexing- ton, Mass., was fought. He was one of the early pioneers of that region, and took up a tract of wild land there, which he partly improved before he sold it a few years later, and went to Franklin County to live, and was one of the first to settle there. He was a great hunter, famous for his skill with the rifle, and he kept the family larder well supplied with venison, wild turkey and other game. He took up a tract of land four miles west of the city of Frankfort, and was a resident there until his death. The maiden name of his wife was Sarah Anderson, and her remains lie buried by the side of her husband on the farm where their last years were spent.
The father of our subject was reared in his na-
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live Kentucky, and passed his entire life there, dy- ing in 1865, and he too lies sleeping his last sleep on the old homestead where his parents are buried, and his wife lies by his side, her death occurring in 1867. Her maiden name was Susan Nowell, and she was born in Owen County, Ky. They were the parents of nine children, all of whom grew to ma- turity.
once again came to Kansas, this time for perma- nent settlement, bringing his family with him. IIe resided on his father in-law's farm here in Jackson County, and was prosperously engaged as a builder. and also gave some attention to farming. In 1870 he removed to Holton, and has lived here continu- ously since, he having accumulated a goodly amount of property, so that he was enabled to retire from active labor, while yet in the prime of life. In looking back over the past, it must afford Mr. Milam singular pleasure that in his work he has contributed his quota to the development and growth of Jackson County, and so to the upbuild- ing of this great and glorious commonwealth of Kansas. His life-record is that of a man of indubi- table integrity, truthful and conscientious in all his acts and dealings with his fellow-men, and kind, thoughtful, and generous in bis relations with them, and in his domestic life all that a husband and father should be. He and his wife, as consistent members of the Presbyterian Church, have the moral and religious welfare of the community at heart, and never neglect an opportunity to pro- mote it.
Their son Moses, of whom we write, was reared on that old Kentucky homestead, and at the age of seventeen, went to Frankfort to learn the trade of a carpenter, at which he served until the breaking out of the Mexican War. He was then about twenty years of age, and his patriotic heart was stirred with youthful ardor, and longing to join the troops that were volunteering for service in Mexico, and his name was soon enrolled as a mem- ber of the 2d Kentucky Regiment, in Capt. C'ham- ber's Company. Proceeding to Mexico, our subject did gallant service in the battle of Buena Vista, and fought in other engagements with valor. He served one year, and was then discharged with his regiment at the expiration of the term of its en- listment. Returning to his Kentucky home, he re- sided there until 1854, busily employed at his trade. Their peaceful and pleasant wedded life began Oct. 9, 1855, and of the children born to them they have one son living, Dr. Thomas Milam, a gradu- ate of the medical department of the Louisville University, who is now successfully practising his profession in Wetmore, Nemaha County. He mar- ried Miss Nettie Crist. The wife of our subject was born in Rutherford County, Tenn., Sept. 21, 1834, her maiden name being Harriet E. Stokes. Her father, Thomas HI. Stokes, was born in Vir- ginia, Jan. 24, 1802, a son of one William Stokes, also a Virginian by birth, who removed to Tennes- see in the early days of its settlement, and was a pioneer of Rutherford County. He bought timber land, improved a good farm, and there passed the reminder of his life. The maiden name of his wife was Isabella Hale, and she was likewise a na- tive of Virginia, and died on the homestead in Rutherford County. Mrs. Milam's father was very young when his parents removed to the wilds of Tennessee, and there he was reared and learned the In that year, the stalwart, active young man, shrewdly judging that in a newly settled country there would be a great demand for men of his call- ing, determined to emigrate to the Western fron- tier. He proceeded on his journey by rail to Louisville, thence by boat on the Ohio, Mississippi and Missouri Rivers to Independence, Mo., and from that city he was conveyed by team to Harri- sonville, Cass County, in the same State, and there he worked at his trade a few years, and also oper- ated a steam sawmill. In 1857 he visited the Ter- ritory of Kansas, with a team, coming as far as Holton, which had just been platted, and the lots were sold that year, though at that time there was not a house on the present site of the eity, with the single exception of a small log cabin. Mr. Milam attended the land sale here, and made a claim to a tract of wild prairie three miles east of town. He remained here two weeks, and then returned to Harrisonville, and carried on his trade there one year, and then erceted a steam sawmill, which he | trade of a wagon-maker. In 1837 he journeyed to managed the ensuing year. In Angust, 1859, he , Missouri with a team, and was among the first set-
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tlers of Platte County, where he took up Govern- ment land, which he at once commenced to improve after he had built a log house to shelter his family. At that time there were no white settlers in Kansas, and no city on the present site of Kansas City, and no markets, so the settlers were obliged to live on home products entirely, and the wives and daugh- ters used to spin and weave all the cloth used by their families. In 1854, Mr. Stokes sold his prop- erty in Platte County, and resided in Cass County until 1856. In that year he came to Kansas and took up a tract of Government land three miles east of the present site of Holton, of which there was then no trace, the city not having been platted nor any house erected on the land that it now oc- cupies. Mr. Stokes built a log cabin on his claim, putting up a sod chimney, and moving in before the structure was completed. He soon split punch- eon for the floor and door, and otherwise increased its comfortableness. There were no railways nearer than Jefferson City, Mo., and he had to go to that city for his supplies. He removed to Holton in 1870, and continued to be a resident of the county until his death Oct. 30, 1889. His memory is held in respect as one of the early pioneers of the county, whose entire development he thus witnessed, and was a useful factor in promoting. The maiden name of his wife was Araminta C. Moore. She was born in Tennessee, a daughter of Peter and Sarah (McKnight) Moore, and she died in Holton, May 20, 1870. Of their nine children seven were reared to maturity. Their daughter, Mrs. Milam, resided with them until her marriage, and she is now the only member of the family living. She was early taught to spin, knit and weave, and became an ac- complished housewife, who understands well the art of making home cozy and comfortable.
W ILLIAM HARRISON. Among the many fine farms of Jackson County, that owned and occupied by the gentleman above named, deserves prominent mention. It is located in Jefferson Township, and comprises 360 acres, upon which is a more than usually well-built and com- modious residence and barn, as well as the many
other edifices necessary to a thorough housing of grain, machinery and stock. The orchards are noteworthy, there being 1,000 apple trees now bear- ing, and as many that are still too young for fruit- age. The owner of this splendid estate pronounces this an excellent farming country, and his success in that line demonstrates the truth of his opinion. He has made something of a specialty of raising cattle, in connection with his other work, and has reached success also in that branch of farm labor. Mr. Harrison is not only a leading farmer, but a prominent citizen and an old settler in this county.
The parents of our subject, Thomas and Mary (Holden ) Harrison, were natives of England, where the father was engaged in the occupation that the son now follows, In 1849, he emigrated to the United States, and for a time lived in West Al- bany, N. Y., whence he removed to Illinois, taking a contract on the Illinois Central Railroad, and building that road through Springfield. He next removed to Dubuque, Iowa, where he engaged in buying and shipping cattle and hogs, and in other trade, and after a time returned to his former en- ploy ment of agricultural pursuits on a farm in Delaware County, the same State. In the month of April, 1862, he came to this county and State, and bought a pre-emption claim of 160 acres in what is now Grant Township, improving the land, and adding to it until his acreage reached 642} acres in this county.
The fine estate was his home until 1867, when he removed to Atchison, where he entered into a real- estate business, continuing it until his death in 1876, at which time he had reached the age of sixty-six years. His estcemed wife survived until 1889, when she too passed away, at the age of seventy- nine. The father was a member of the Catholic Church, and the mother of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Harrison was a leading citizen of Atchison, in which city be erected thirteen houses, and where his liberality toward all benevolent enterprises, and his active interest in all public affairs, was well- known and highly appreciated. In politics, he was liberal, giving his suffrage to the candidate he con- sidered best fitted for the position to which he was nominated. The family consisted of ten children, of whom four are now living: John is following
FARM RESIDENCE OF NILS ROSDAHL, SEC. 9. WHITING TP. JACKSON CO. KAN.
FARM RESIDENCE OF NORMAN B. HILL, SEC. 4. JEFFERSON TP, JACKSON CO. KAN.
FARM RESIDENCE OF WM. HARRISON, SEC. 27. JEFFERSON TP., JACKSON CO., KAN.
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the trade of a stonemason in Wellington; George Thomas is a contractor of Atchison; Henry P. is an engineer, and his home is in Hiawatha.
The gentleman whose name initiates this notice, is the second eldest of the brothers now living, and his birth took place in Manchester, England, July 29, 1845. Being scarcely more than a babe when his parents came to America, his education and training were received in this country, and his early life was chiefly spent on a farm in Iowa, and in this county, to which the family removed when he was about sixteen years old. Here he did a large share of the work of improving the farm and preparing it for the after yield of crops that made it so valuable. He was not yet twenty years old when he enlisted among the defenders of the Union, his name being attached to the muster roll of Com- pany C, 7th Kansas Cavalry, on March 14, 1864. During his army life, which continued until Oct. 8, 1865, he spent most of his time on detached duty, taking a part in numerous skirmishes. The battle of Tupelo was the most prominent in which he par- ticipated, if we except those of Price's raid, dur- ing which he took part in every engagement from the entrance of that noted General into Missouri, until his abandonment of that section.
After his discharge from the service, Mr. Harri- son returned to his home in this county, and then began life for himself in Grant Township, by find- ing employment in breaking prairie and threshing, and during the following ten years he continued the latter work, and also operated a farm. In the winter of 1866, he made his final settle- ment on a part of the land that he now oceu- pics, it being then a raw quarter-section, which he immediately began to improve and bring to its pre- sent state of productiveness, subsequently adding to the acreage until it reached the amount before mentioned.
An important step in the life of our subject was taken on Feb. 9, 1868, when he was united in mar- riage with Theaby E. White. This estimable lady is a native of Missouri, and a daughter of G. W. White, one of the old settlers in this county. The happy union of Mr. and Mrs. Harrison, has been blessed by the birth of two children, both of whom are at home and engaged in the studies suited to
their years. They bear the names, respectively, of George Thomas and Maggie.
Mr. Harrison belongs to the social order of the A. F. & A. M. and the G. A. R. He is a Republi- can, and takes an active part in political work, evincing an intelligent interest in the issues of the day. As a citizen he is interested in all public affairs, liberal in contributing toward every worthy movement, and among the residents of the county he holds a prominent position, to which his intelli- gence, generous and social spirit, and good char- acter entitle him.
On another page will be found a view of Mr. Harrison's residence.
2 ILS ROSDAHL. The life of this gentle- man exhibits unbounded pluck and per- severance, and may well be held up as a model to those who are ready to give up when discouragements and privations beset their path- way, or to those who think themselves ill-used in life. Many men have seasons of trial and hardship, but few have so prolonged an experience on the dark side of life as has been the lot of Mr. Ros- dahl. It is a pleasure to believe that the remainder of his life will be passed in comfort, and that he will erc long look back upon his carlier life as only a troubled dream. He is now in the possession of a comfortable home, and 160 acres of land in Whit- ing Township, Jackson County, on which there is an indebtedness of abont $800, but which is well stocked and in such a state of productiveness that it is safe to hope that the indebtedness will soon be paid.
Mr. Rosdahl was born in Kershanti, in the south of Sweden, and is the son of very poor parents, who lived on a farm. He left his father's home at the early age of seven years, and worked for farmers until sixteen, when he went to learn the trade of a mason. The first year he received thirty-two cents a day, with which he boarded and clothed himself. The second year he received
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thirty- six cents a day, and the third, forty cents. When about twenty years old he got his papers, and then hired out to his former master at $2 per day, being made a foreman, and at times having as many as forty men under his control. In his boyhood he had worked seven months for a pair of linen pants, a pair of wooden shoes, a flannel jacket and vest, a half-pound of wool for socks, and a half- bushel of potatoes planted to furnish his winter supplies.
About two years after becoming a journeyman, and foreman for his employer, Mr. Rosdahl began business for himself, hiring from four to twenty hands for about five years. He labored under great disadvantage, being unable to write his own name, the only education he had ever received having been the knowledge of his A. B. C's, gained from his grandmother. During two years he served three months per annum in the Swedish Army, and owing to his aptitude in acquiring a knowledge of soldier's duties, he was the second year made ser- geant and drill-master of his company.
Having by dint of hard work and economy, saved a little money, Mr. Rosdahl left his wife and two children and took passage for America, trust- ing to better his condition in the broader lands west of the Atlantic. Reaching Chicago. Ill., he hired as a farm hand to a Mr. Ferris, of Paxton, where he worked several months at $25 per month. He made his home in Paxton for about a year and a half, working on the railroad at Danville for a while, and then, being disabled in his work, he went on foot to Edica, Ind., where he arrived with- out a cent. He stayed in the latter place eight months, and then went to Quincy, Ill., where he was without work for a fortnight, and pawned his clothes for his board. Ile then met a Swedish friend, one who could not speak the English lan- guage, but who had a little money, and who offered to pay his way with himself to Bucklin, Linn Co., Mo., where Mr. Rosdahl found work at his trade. He lived there several years, being finally able to buy forty acres of land, and pay for the same in full; he became the owner of several horses, eighteen head of cattle, sixty sheep and a number of hogs.
It seemed as if Mr. Rosdahl was now on the
sure road to prosperity, but his misfortunes proved to be by no means over. Illness made great de- mands upon his resources, and the hardest days of his life were now spent, debts being contracted when ready money failed, and all his possessions being used to satisfy the demands of his creditors. He had the consolation of knowing that every man had received his just dues, though he had but thirteen cents left. Sending to his brother, he re- ceived $5, with which he made his way to Chicago, being for three days without food while on the trip, having to use the cash to pay his traveling expenses. A speculation in hay gave him a little start, and before the winter was over he bought a lot in Irondale and built himself a comfortable house. His stoek at first consisted of one cow, but he soon had a dairy of fourteen cows, selling the milk by carrying it round in a can.
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